Transverse device array phase shifter circuit techniques and antennas

US6999040B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Raytheon Company · US

Inventors

• Ralston S. Robertson · San Fernando, US
• William Henderson · Ashland, US
• Robert T. Lewis · Macon, US
• Ruey S. Chu · Cerritos, US
• David W. Baker · Reno, US
• Brian M. Pierce · Moreno Valley, US
• David Ulmer · Schenefeld, DE
• Romulo J. Broas · Carson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 2003
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2006
• Expiry date: Dec 16, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01Q13/20
• WIPO field: Telecommunications
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A transverse device array phase shifter includes an overmoded waveguide structure having a top conductive broad wall surface, a bottom conductive broad wall surface and opposed first and second conductive side wall surfaces. At least one transverse device array circuit is positioned in the waveguide circuit. Each circuit comprises a generally planar dielectric substrate having a microwave circuit defined thereon, and a plurality of spaced discrete phase shifter elements. The substrate is disposed within the waveguide structure generally transverse to the side wall surfaces. A bias circuit applies a voltage to reverse bias the phase shifter elements. The transverse device array phase shifter circuit causes a change in phase of microwave or millimeter-wave energy propagating through the waveguide structure. An electronically scanned antenna array employing continuous transverse stubs as radiating elements, with an upper conductive plate structure comprising a set of continuous transverse stubs, and a lower conductive plate structure disposed in a spaced relationship relative to the upper plate structure. At least one transverse device array phase shifter circuit is disposed between s…